[Matthew 5:27-30]
This is the second of Jesus's teachings where we see Him take one requirement, one law, and addresses the heart of the matter. For Jesus, formality was nothing: "For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7). He sets out to prove that there is a reason behind all the things we commonly acknowledge as sin. Many Christians fear condemning sin, and to some extent they are correct. It is not our place to condemn, for that is a task left for our perfect Creator. It is, however, our responsibility to correct one another in accordance to the Word of God. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness ..." (2 Timothy 3:16) It is for this reason we are addressing this very sensitive subject.
What is adultery? In essence, it is infidelity (having a relationship with another as you have vowed to have with one person), or, as I put it, the "lending" principle: you are lending a relationship with one person to fulfill each other's wishes, without a specified commitment. The next question is why is it wrong? The simplest answer I can give is because Jesus said so. Now that should technically suffice, and if it doesn't I have every right to answer, "Take it up with Him." But we will indulge a bit today.
Everything that Jesus reveals to us in this sermon is for our benefit. He is imparting heavenly knowledge in that He is showing us the literal standards of heaven, the standards that He alone meets without exception, and the standards that we are required to meet by way of His heavenly guidance (i.e. by His grace). So how does this explicit claim to not lust (to the point of dismemberment!) possibly benefit us? Is it not our instinct to give in? Thus, is Jesus requiring something that supersedes our natural abilities? Yes! Exactly. He is asking for the supernatural. After all, the supernatural is that which the world is searching. What an excellent example to serve as a testimony!
I digress. What is the benefit to us specifically? Sanity for one thing. Ms. Spears said it well - that boy can "drive you crazy." C. S. Lewis addresses the topic of adultery, and the perversion of our society, a perversion that has been around for centuries and was common in many pagan practices. (Unfortunately, some of these practices still exist today, but in today's pc/pr world we are not made aware of it). He tells us to imagine a world in which, for entertainment, people gather around a silver platter. And slowly, they lift up the lid, displaying a perfect oven-roasted chicken, before quickly shutting it again. The people would hoot and holler, and the entertainer begins showing a little leg here, a chicken breast there, maybe even a wing. The people would go crazy. Now, if we stumbled upon this crazy world, wouldn't you say something had seriously gone wrong with their sense of appetite? If they stumbled upon ours, wouldn't you say something has gone wrong with our sexual appetites? We are no longer satisfied with what God intended for us - a man for every woman and vice versa. We fear the commitment but desire the relationship. We abdicate the responsibility and thirst for the rewards.
In Proverbs, the Bible instructs a young man: "Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth. As a loving deer and a graceful doe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times; and always be enraptured with her love. For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman, and be embraced in the arms of a seductress?" (Proverbs 5:18-20). That is what the Bible teaches us. Do not be gluttonous, but be satisfied. This ministry was founded on the principle of developing women who follow after God, committing wholly to Him. Your side lives, your side relationships should not compromise that. There are no side lives. The next verse of that chapter says, "The ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord."
This devotional is not to put anyone on blast. If you are feeling any form of shame, then go ahead a rebuke it. But if you feel guilt because you know that you are not living a life in accordance to God's commands, I strongly suggest getting in touch with an anointed ordained minister for counseling. And if you are too scared, even a strong Christian friend can help. She can pray with you to help you overcome, and to help you decide what steps should be taken. God is calling out to someone. Answer His call - the call to holiness.
God bless,
Alisha
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
Anger
[Matthew 5:21-26]
Anger is an emotion that can be complicated. From personal experience, I know that anger can be a fuel to itself, until it becomes a destructive fire. No one benefits from giving into their anger, whether they be on the giving or receiving end.
Some of you, in fact I expect most of you, have been deeply hurt at one point in their life. That scar is still tender to touch. You want to hold onto your anger because it empowers you. You feel that if you become this unreasonable woman, there is no way - no way - that you can be hurt again. That's what you promise yourself, that you will never be hurt again.
But how long does that last? And what's more, into what type of person does that make you? Bitterness upon bitterness builds up in your heart, until you find it hard to love. That is not the women you were call to be. That is the woman the devil wants you to be, a force that he can use for his purpose. But you were called to God's purpose. He created you to love and be loved. And if you can love in the face of hatred, well, then people will call you "the sons of God" (remember verse 10?).
That is why Jesus equates anger with murder here. Because anger not only is the beginning of murder, but kills something inside of you- the ability to forgive. Feeding into anger is not healthy. Most therapists offer the same advice Jesus gives, to go and make reconciliation with whoever "has something against you." The advice is practical; it saves you from punishment later on (see verses 25, 26).
Practicality aside, it is the wisest option. Whatever side you're on, whether you caused the problem or were affected from it, yielding to anger is never the option. The Bible says, "Be angry and do not sin." (Psalm 4:4) Pray today that God give you the ability to forgive and make amends, that you may be able to continue to walk in His perfect will.
God bless,
Alisha
Anger is an emotion that can be complicated. From personal experience, I know that anger can be a fuel to itself, until it becomes a destructive fire. No one benefits from giving into their anger, whether they be on the giving or receiving end.
Some of you, in fact I expect most of you, have been deeply hurt at one point in their life. That scar is still tender to touch. You want to hold onto your anger because it empowers you. You feel that if you become this unreasonable woman, there is no way - no way - that you can be hurt again. That's what you promise yourself, that you will never be hurt again.
But how long does that last? And what's more, into what type of person does that make you? Bitterness upon bitterness builds up in your heart, until you find it hard to love. That is not the women you were call to be. That is the woman the devil wants you to be, a force that he can use for his purpose. But you were called to God's purpose. He created you to love and be loved. And if you can love in the face of hatred, well, then people will call you "the sons of God" (remember verse 10?).
That is why Jesus equates anger with murder here. Because anger not only is the beginning of murder, but kills something inside of you- the ability to forgive. Feeding into anger is not healthy. Most therapists offer the same advice Jesus gives, to go and make reconciliation with whoever "has something against you." The advice is practical; it saves you from punishment later on (see verses 25, 26).
Practicality aside, it is the wisest option. Whatever side you're on, whether you caused the problem or were affected from it, yielding to anger is never the option. The Bible says, "Be angry and do not sin." (Psalm 4:4) Pray today that God give you the ability to forgive and make amends, that you may be able to continue to walk in His perfect will.
God bless,
Alisha
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Reconciliation of the Law
[Matthew 5:17 – 20]
The importance of the Old Testament, or the “old covenant,” is debated in some institutions. If we are indeed under a new covenant, then why even look at the old one? Christ came “not to destroy but to fulfill” the law, being the only One who was perfect enough to be the spotless Lamb offered once and for all for our sin. Yet, in verse 18, we see that even with Jesus fulfilling the law, it will remain until heaven and earth passes away. How can we reconcile this?
It’s quite simple – the New Testament was birthed out of the Old Testament. We are able to meet the requirements of the law through our relationship with Jesus Christ, not through our works. According to Oswald Chambers, “Once you have the right relationship with God through salvation and sanctification, remember that whatever your circumstances may be, you have been placed in them by God. And God uses the reaction of your life to your circumstances to fulfill His purpose, as long as you continue to ‘walk in the light as He is in the light’ (1 John 1:7 ).”
Everything the Old Testament mentions, every law God instituted, every offering, ever feast, all served a predecessor for the New Testament. Jesus embodied the Law when He came to this earth, and by living in Him we abide in the law. In this manner, we are able to have our righteousness "exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees."
By learning the Old Testament, we can stand in awe at the fulfillment that came through our Savior. By studying the Word, we develop the very relationship God desires to have with us. Relationships are based on communication and getting to know each other. We get both by reading the Bible. And the best part of studying is what I'm doing with you all. I'm able to do even the least of the commandments and teach others to do so. But should I forget to read, should I stop discovering new truths, I may break the least of them, and (God forbid) even teach others to do so. It is a somber reminder of our task on earth. God desires that we know Him, and has given us the venue. It's up to us to open it up and meditate.
The importance of the Old Testament, or the “old covenant,” is debated in some institutions. If we are indeed under a new covenant, then why even look at the old one? Christ came “not to destroy but to fulfill” the law, being the only One who was perfect enough to be the spotless Lamb offered once and for all for our sin. Yet, in verse 18, we see that even with Jesus fulfilling the law, it will remain until heaven and earth passes away. How can we reconcile this?
It’s quite simple – the New Testament was birthed out of the Old Testament. We are able to meet the requirements of the law through our relationship with Jesus Christ, not through our works. According to Oswald Chambers, “Once you have the right relationship with God through salvation and sanctification, remember that whatever your circumstances may be, you have been placed in them by God. And God uses the reaction of your life to your circumstances to fulfill His purpose, as long as you continue to ‘walk in the light as He is in the light’ (1 John 1:7 ).”
Everything the Old Testament mentions, every law God instituted, every offering, ever feast, all served a predecessor for the New Testament. Jesus embodied the Law when He came to this earth, and by living in Him we abide in the law. In this manner, we are able to have our righteousness "exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees."
By learning the Old Testament, we can stand in awe at the fulfillment that came through our Savior. By studying the Word, we develop the very relationship God desires to have with us. Relationships are based on communication and getting to know each other. We get both by reading the Bible. And the best part of studying is what I'm doing with you all. I'm able to do even the least of the commandments and teach others to do so. But should I forget to read, should I stop discovering new truths, I may break the least of them, and (God forbid) even teach others to do so. It is a somber reminder of our task on earth. God desires that we know Him, and has given us the venue. It's up to us to open it up and meditate.
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